About half of Saint Louis University freshmen find their perfect level of social and
academic support in one of our nine on-campus learning communities.

Students in learning communities live in the same residence hall and take classes
that are centered around a particular major, aspect of social identity and experience,
or academic interest. At Saint Louis University, learning communities help shape the
student experience and give you a sense of family amidst the larger SLU community.

Living in a learning community allows you opportunities to build meaningful relationships
with faculty, staff and peers. You will often engage together in off-campus excursions,
special lecture series, community service activities and social gatherings in the
residence halls.

Learning communities provide a great way for you to meet new people and make friends
with those who have similar interests. Plus, research shows that students are more
successful when their academic experiences are integrated with other aspects of their
life. You will have the opportunity to get involved on campus and within the greater
Saint Louis University community.

SLU also offers theme housing communities for freshman still deciding on a major, first-year transfer students, upperclassmen
Greek Life participants, and upperclassmen interested in Wellness. These communities
differ from learning communities in that they do not incorporate required coursework or direct
faculty engagement in the form of co-curricular experiences.

Selecting a Learning Community

As you consider Saint Louis University's eight learning communities, there are a few
questions that can guide you in selecting the one that best supports your major or
long-term career goals:

Is there a topic that intrigues me (i.e. leadership, social justice, community service)?

Are there academic support services like tutoring and academic advising that I would
like to have access to in my residence hall?

Would I like to connect with a faculty member outside of the classroom during my first
semester?

Is there a specific area of campus where I want to live?

What am I passionate about?

What part of my social identity would I like to explore more?

What type of mentorship and network am I hoping to acquire as a first-year student?

Benefits of Joining a Learning Community

Connect with students with similar academic and personal goals

Get connected to campus life and University resources

Explore St. Louis through field trips

Volunteer through community service projects

Access peer mentoring and tutoring

Explore leadership development opportunities

Explore career options

Networking and professional mentoring

How to Join a Learning Community

It’s easy to apply to take part in a learning community at SLU.

Step 1: Review the list of learning communities, and select the community or communities for which you want to apply. Be sure to
review the academic requirements (i.e. major and college) for each learning community
as some are major/college specific.

Step 2: Complete both your housing contract and your Learning Community contract. To learn more about how to sign up for housing and a learning community, click here.

Step 3:Confirm your Learning Community courses. You will be registered for your Learning Community courses prior to SLU101 summer orientation by the LC Academic Coordinator in collaboration with your academic advisor. During
SLU101, the LC Academic Coordinator and Academic Advisor will be available to answer
any questions that you may have regarding your academic schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re wondering which learning community at Saint Louis University is right for
you and the application process, take a look at these frequently asked questions.

Learning Community experiences offered will not only focus on the academic components of
the Learning Community, but will also provide a variety of social and educational
programs to assist with a student's first year transition to the university. Making
the transition from high school to college can be difficult. As you experience new
freedoms, learn new routines, and face new academic and personal challenges, a Learning
Community can help you begin your college career successfully. We encourage each
student to become a partner in their education by becoming an active leader and learner
within their Learning Community.

If you have an idea of what you might like to major in, you might select a learning
community which focuses on that field and you’ll have the chance to find out if this
is a career you’re interested in pursuing.

Yes. Courses must be taken together as a full set of associated courses. However,
Learning Communities leave room for you to take additional classes. You'll select
these classes when you meet with your academic advisor during your SLU 101 visit. If you have prior credit for a course or the course does not fit your major
academic course plan, you can request an exemption from a Learning Community course.
There are four general reasons that an LC student may be excused from one or more
of their Learning Community courses. 1) The student has prior credit; Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment/Transfer credit.2) The student has not met a prerequisite for the LC course.3) The LC course conflicts with a requirement for their major; including a course
sequence issue (please note: all other LC course options and scheduling options must
be exhausted before an exemption is given to the student).4) The student is a student-athlete; in the Billiken Success Program; or in the INTO
program and has a programming conflict.

To change your preferences for learning communities prior to May 1, you can simply
edit your Learning Community contract. Editing your contract does not affect your
priority date. After May 1, you can contact us directly, lc@slu.edu or speak to Housing
and Residence Life during your SLU 101 visit.

Yes. Living in a learning community requires that you live on the floor with that
community. If you have an extenuating circumstance that requires you to live in a
certain arrangement, due to an approved accommodation, please let Housing and Residence
Life know as soon as possible. If you have a disability or need additional accommodations, please contact Disability Services.

Both you and your roommate should sign up for the same learning community. You can
indicate your roommate request on your housing contract. It is important that both you and your roommate indicate each other on the contract
using your 9-digit SLU IDs (starts with 00). The Learning Community preference that
you indicate on your Learning Community contract takes priority over all other preferences
on the housing contract.